Master of Global Development

Graduates of the Master of Global Development will have:

1. A body of knowledge of global socio-economic-environmental trends to design, implement and evaluate transformational programmes in diverse cultural contexts
2. Knowledge of development theories and their relationship to complex and diverse policy contexts in contemporary societies and historically
3. Knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the interdisciplinary field of global development studies
4. Knowledge of Sustainable Development Goals and critical perspectives on international development agendas. 

In an era where change is the only constant, the Master of Global Development will give you a deep understanding of policy, politics, people and power in a range of development contexts. If you are looking to develop your thought leadership skills and identify new, creative solutions that will help to improve the world around you, then the Master of Global Development is the right fit for you. 

This degree was developed to fundamentally align with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, created to address the world's most pressing challenges - including ending poverty and bringing economic prosperity, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and peace and good governance. During your study, you will examine the dynamics of global issues and have the opportunity to take credentialed Majors tailored to the varying backgrounds and career goals of current and future professionals. Majors include: 

• Climate Change and Disaster Management 
• Development Economics 
• Global Health
• Human Rights 
• Politics and Planning 
• Sustainable Development. 

As part of your degree, you will work with experts from across the university, including in our research centres, and you will be connected with the international development community. This means you can feel confident you will graduate with the critical perspective, strategic knowledge and contacts necessary to work towards agile solutions to these big issues - and make a positive difference. 

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Disaster Management and Resilience Building 
• Environmental Systems and Climate Change
• Communication in Crises and Disasters 
• Policymaking and Planning for Climate Change.

Plus there’s a selection of electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

Pathway 1 - 1 year program (80CP)

For the award of Master of Global Development (MGlobalDev), if eligible to complete this program in 1 year, you must successfully complete 80 credit points made up of:

80 credit points for the Core Module.

Pathway 2 - 1.5 year program (120CP)

For the award of Master of Global Development (MGlobalDev), if eligible to complete this program in 1.5 years, you must successfully complete 120 credit points made up of:

80 credit points for the Core Module

40 credit points for the Flexible Module.

Pathway 3 - 2 year program (160CP)

For the award of Master of Global Development (MGlobalDev), if eligible to complete this program in 2 years, you must successfully complete 160 credit points made up of:

40 credit points for the Foundation Module

80 credit points for the Core Module

40 credit points for the Flexible Module.

This degree may be awarded with Distinction where a student achieves a minimum program GPA of 6.5 with no failed courses. The words "This award was achieved with Distinction" will be recorded on the testamur.

Exit points

To be eligible to exit the Master of Global Development program with the Graduate Certificate in Global Development award, a student must acquire 40 credit points for the Foundation Module.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $60,000

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

Learn more about Griffith University.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Global Development, you must have one of:

Pathway 1- 1 year program (80CP):

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a *related discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale; AND a minimum 2 years full-time (or equivalent) relevant ^professional experience; OR 

Pathway 2 - 1.5 Year program (120CP): 

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a *related discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale; OR A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale; AND a minimum 2 years full-time (or equivalent) relevant ^professional experience; OR 

Pathway 3 - 2 year program (160CP): 

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale; OR A combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal, and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to either of the above. 

*Related Discipline: International Relations, Political Science, Law, Psychology, Criminology, Criminal Justice, Government, Politics, Public Administration, Public Policy, Sociology, Economics, Geography, Environmental Science, Urban Planning, Development Studies, Sustainability, Environmental Engineering, Security, Cyber Security, Information Technology, International Organisation Studies, Public Health 

^Professional Experience: government; campaign or elections; diplomacy; public policy; international organisations (UN, ASEAN, World Health Organization, etc.); non-governmental organizations (international charity and assistance organisations); civil society groups (including activism); extended volunteering; journalism or public relations; law; development and foreign aid; criminal justice; military; international business and multinational corporations; business-policy interface; researcher; economist; risk or security analyst 

• A higher qualification refers to a qualification at a higher level than a Bachelor qualification, which includes any of the following: a Bachelor Honours Degree; Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters Degree, MPhil or PhD.  

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University policy for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Postgraduate Programs Admission Policy.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:

• Formal learning through courses completed at Uni and TAFE.
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.